A slip and fall claim in Wisconsin is a type of personal injury case that arises when someone is injured due to unsafe conditions on another person's property. Under Wisconsin law, property owners and businesses have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises for visitors. When they fail to do so, and someone gets hurt, they may be held financially responsible.
Not every trip or slip leads to a lawsuit. But when injuries are caused by dangerous conditions that should have been fixed or warned about, Wisconsin law allows injured people to seek compensation.
At Lojewski Injury Law, we investigate unsafe property conditions, identify responsible parties, and fight for full and fair compensation under Wisconsin premises liability law. Call today for a free consultation.
What Is a Slip and Fall Case in Wisconsin?
A Wisconsin slip or trip and fall case is a premises liability claim based on injuries caused by unsafe property conditions. These cases are not limited to slipping on liquid. Trip hazards and structural defects are just as common.
Examples include:
- Tripping on uneven flooring, loose mats, or hidden obstacles
- Slipping on ice, snow, or water in parking lots or entryways
- Falling due to poor lighting or unmarked step-offs
- Broken stairs, weak steps, or missing handrails
- Collapsing floors, decks, or walkways
Under Wisconsin law, an injured person generally must show:
- Duty of Care: the property owner or occupier owed a duty to keep the premises reasonably safe.
- Unsafe Condition: a dangerous condition existed (and it was not open and obvious).
- Notice: the owner knew, or should have known, about the hazard
- Injury and damages: the condition caused real harm, including injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Wisconsin applies comparative fault, meaning your recovery may be reduced if the defense claims (and is successful in showing) you share some fault. If you are found to be more than 50% to blame, you are not eligible to receive compensation.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Wisconsin
Unsafe conditions leading to Wisconsin slip and fall injuries often include:
- Wet floors with no warning signs
- Ice-covered sidewalks and parking lots
- Uneven pavement or cracked walkways
- Poor lighting in stairwells or entryways
- Broken or missing handrails
- Merchandise, cords, or debris in walking paths
- Poor maintenance by property management companies
Every case is fact-specific. What matters most is whether the danger should have been corrected or warned about.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries in Milwaukee
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of slip and fall accidents occur every year, many resulting in long-term or life-altering harm.
Common injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Concussion, head injuries, and traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, tears)
- Hip fractures, especially in older adults
Slip or trip and fall injuries often have serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences and can be debilitating, life-altering, or even fatal.
Who Can Be Liable for a Slip and Fall in Wisconsin?
Depending on the circumstances, liability may rest with a:
- Business owner
- Property owner or landlord
- Property management company
- Maintenance contractor
Identifying who had control over the property is a critical part of a Wisconsin premises liability case.
3 Reasons to Hire a Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall cases are not simple insurance claims. Property owners and insurance companies routinely deny responsibility. An experienced Wisconsin premises liability lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the Unsafe Condition. We preserve evidence, review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and document how the hazard violated Wisconsin safety standards.
- Proving Your Injuries and Losses. Medical records, wage loss documentation, and expert analysis are used to connect the unsafe condition directly to your injuries and damages.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies. We handle deadlines, negotiations, and litigation so that you can focus on healing while we fight for compensation. You should also avoid speaking to the insurance companies yourself without consulting a lawyer first because the insurance company will work toward devaluing your claim, rather than truly having your best interest in mind.
Contact a Milwaukee Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
At Lojewski Injury Law, we represent people injured due to unsafe properties throughout Milwaukee, Southeast Wisconsin, and across the entire state of Wisconsin. If you were hurt in a slip, trip, or fall accident, we can help you understand your rights and legal options. Contact Lojewski Injury Law today for a free consultation.